Leave Space over Winter campaign launched by Lewes Mosaic Project

Lewes Mosaic Project launches ‘Leave Space over Winter’ to help insects survive the colder months.

As autumn turns to winter, the Lewes Mosaic Project is encouraging everyone to resist the tidy-up and leave their green spaces a little wild to allow insects and other animals space to overwinter.

The new campaign encourages residents across Lewes and beyond, to leave and create shelter for insects and other wildlife as they bed down for the colder months.

‘A pile of leaves, a tangle of stems, or a few uncut seedheads in a window box may not look like much - but for overwintering insects they can be a vital home.’ – Helen Sida, Community Green Space Lead for the Mosaic Project. “So much of the dead vegetation we may clear away in winter is actually full of life.

A hollow stem can hide a ladybird, a leaf pile might protect a hedgehog. If we all leave just a few wild corners, we can give nature the breathing space it needs to rest and recover.” The ‘Leave Space over Winter’ campaign is part of the Lewes Mosaic Project, a collaboration between the Railway Land Wildlife Trust and Common Cause Cooperative.

Together, they’re working to build a connected ‘mosaic’ of habitats across the town – from window boxes and backyards to community gardens, school grounds and car parks – making Lewes a thriving place for wildlife all year round.

There are many easy ways to join in: Leave the leaves. Instead of clearing them up, let some leaves gather in a quiet corner — they’ll shelter ladybirds, hoverflies and other insects (and might tempt a hedgehog too) Keep the stems. Don’t cut back old flower heads and hollow stems — they’re perfect hideaways for bees and beetles.

Pile up some sticks. A small log or twig pile creates a cosy home for beetles and woodlice . Let the lawn rest. Skip that final mow — even a small patch of longer grass gives insects a place to shelter. Share what you’re doing. Add your green space to the Mosaic Map and help show how Lewes is getting wild together.

Explore the Mosaic Project’s seasonal wildlife tips for making your garden or balcony a winter refuge. Helen adds: “We’re seeing a real sense of community in Lewes around caring for nature. When people leave a flowerpot, a patch of grass, or a fallen log untouched, it adds up – street by street, garden by garden – to something truly powerful.” The project is also working with Wildflower Lewes, Lewes Urban Arboretum, Lewes Swift Supporters and other local groups to link up habitats and help wildlife thrive through the winter and beyond. To find out more or add your space to the Mosaic Map, visit www.railwaylandproject.org/lewes-mosaic-map or email helen.sida@railwaylandproject.org)